British Columbia Ministry of Health release "A Provincial Guide to Dementia Care in British Columbia"

On Tuesday, September 27, the British Columbia Ministry of Health released their publication Senior Services: A Provincial Guide to Dementia Care in British Columbia. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is pleased to have had a key role in advising on this publication.

Building on important work completed through the implementation of the 2012 Provincial Dementia Action Plan for British Columbia, the updated guide provides a comprehensive approach to the dementia journey – from diagnosis to end of life - and provides direction for continued planning of dementia services and support in British Columbia.

The Ministry aims to improve the lives of people at risk for dementia, people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. The Society has a strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and looks forward to supporting the key priorities and deliverables as outlined in the Guide. This will include:

Increased public awareness and early recognition of cognitive changes through our Dementia-Friendly Communities and Dementia Friends initiatives.

Support for people with dementia to live safely at home for as long as possible, including caregiver support through the support, education and information provided through First Link® dementia support.

Improved quality of dementia care in residential care, including palliative and end-of-life care and increased system supports and adoption of best practices in dementia care through health-care provider education, wandering resources, and provincial advocacy.

With B.C.’s aging population, the prevalence of dementia is expected to grow and it is important to take a coordinated approach to ensure that people living with dementia can live safely and feel supported in their communities for as long as possible. For optimal results, this approach must extend beyond the government. Businesses and community members have an important role in creating a Dementia-Friendly B.C.

To read Senior Services: A Provincial Guide to Dementia Care in British Columbia in full, please click here.